Positive Versus Negative Framing of Information

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The message is being used as a mode of intervention leading to preventive health
behaviors and can lead to modifications in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in a large proportion of
health behaviors. The purpose of this study is to identify the effective and persuasive message types among
positive and negative message types in information on specific health behaviors, to evaluate the effects by
systematically classifying and analyzing related studies and to lead evidence-based practices.
Method/Statistical Analysis: In this study, meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the trends and reporting
levels of the study in order to evaluate and systematically classify the effects of message types in information
on health behavior. Only clinical studies with randomization comparing the effects of positive and negative
message framing with respect to health behavior were selected. In addition, a case where the interventions
were compared by dividing them into two groups was selected.
Improvements/Applications: Among the final selected papers, 7 papers were included in the included
studies through methodological quality evaluation. Comparison of the positive and negative message
interventions is related to health behaviors related to breast cancer (SMD -0.04 (95% CI -1.57 to 1.50),
health behaviors related to vaccination (MMR, HPV)(SMD 0.20 (95% CI -0.69 to 1.08), cancer screening,
vaccination, physical activity and all health activities related to Type 2 diabetes screening (SMD -0.21
(95% CI -0.89 to 0.47). All of these were not statistically significant. In order to confirm the change in
health behavior according to message framing, a study considering the same target population and outcome
indicators is necessary.